Probably not, considering the fact that the west still has a shitload of fire power at the top between the Warriors, Thunder, and Spurs (whether or not Tim Duncan returns, they're still good for 50 wins any season as long as Popovich is there), plus Toronto might be one key free agent acquisition away from making next season's ECF a real coinflip. On top of this, they've really gotta figure out Kevin Love in a hurry cuz, unless he was just struggling to recover fully from the concussion, he's barely even a role player at times the way their system works.

It is interesting, though, to see how Lebron's first two seasons back with the Cavs have gone just like they did with the Heat by losing a finals, then winning one. It'd be kinda awesome to see a historical have-not like the Cavs have their own dynasty plus seeing how GOAT debates go if LBJ ends up getting another couple titles. If he miraculously gets to six, MJ worshipers and LBJ critics will desperately cling to the "BUT JAWDIN WUZ UNDEFEATED IN DA FINALZ!!!!" horseshit while they completely ignore how many times he lost in prior playoff rounds compared to LBJ hypothetically winning ten ECFs if he were to eventually get six titles.

Back to the west. It really seems like a three horse race for who'll make it to the finals next year. The Spurs, Thunder, and Warriors all still have to show weakness of some kind before anyone can credibly say any of them aren't a viable contender to come out of the west. I can maybe see the Blazers or Rockets emerging as a fourth contender but I think that's a lot to ask from a team with someone as divisive as Harden and someone as streaky as Howard. Blazers really seem to be poised to be the next man up. The Clippers have the talent to be in the conversation but they really seem to be stuck in neutral and appear very lacking of mental toughness.

In the east the Raptors impressed me a lot with how well they hung with the Cavs. Demar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry are a formidable shooting duo and can really carry them. Any lucky break for them against the Cavs like a bad injury or them acquiring a great third option in free agency could help them sneak into the finals.

The Hornets will be very entertaining too. They really came on strong this past season and could be entering a nice five year window of legit title contention. Hopefully Jeremy Lin blossoms into the player he showed flashes of with the Knicks and then decides to stay there.

Wizards are quite the enigma. They've seemingly been on the cusp of better things for like three years now but keep faltering. This year very likely isn't theirs but if they can at least get to the conference semis it'll do wonders for their future outlook. Otherwise, don't be surprised to see John Wall head for greener pasteurs when the chance comes.

I honestly didn't see enough Celtics games to judge them well enough but they have a young smart coach and seem to be on the upswing. It'd be cool to see more great clashes between them and the Lakers in a few years if D'Angelo Russell can resurrect that dumpster fire.

Back to the west. It really seems like a three horse race for who'll make it to the finals next year. The Spurs, Thunder, and Warriors all still have to show weakness of some kind before anyone can credibly say any of them aren't a viable contender to come out of the west. I can maybe see the Blazers or Rockets emerging as a fourth contender but I think that's a lot to ask from a team with someone as divisive as Harden and someone as streaky as Howard. Blazers really seem to be poised to be the next man up. The Clippers have the talent to be in the conversation but they really seem to be stuck in neutral and appear very lacking of mental toughness.

I agree with all of that, except the Rockets. I think they will start to decline, or at least always be a "low-tier playoff" team that gets to the playoffs on the basis of their talent, but never really accomplishes much of anything noteworthy once getting there. I like the Blazers' chances of being the next team up. And what you said about the top 3 absolutely rings true. I mean, picking the top 3 seeds immediately after a playoffs and saying they should be the tops next year is a no-brainer and often doesn't pan out. But in this case, these three teams have a proven track record and do not appear to be going away. The one interesting potential monkey wrench is Durant. Where he goes could shake things up significantly. I am also interested in seeing what the Warriors do. They have already talked about making some changes. I think their starting lineup will remain mostly intact. But I think they will cut ties with Barnes. They love him. But I think he was already being considered for the chopping block anyway, and he had such a nonproductive season in a contract year that I think it will be the end for him. I also expect changes on the bench. But we will see.

It is interesting, though, to see how Lebron's first two seasons back with the Cavs have gone just like they did with the Heat by losing a finals, then winning one. It'd be kinda awesome to see a historical have-not like the Cavs have their own dynasty plus seeing how GOAT debates go if LBJ ends up getting another couple titles.

Interesting. I hadn't made those two connections. I don't think Cleveland cares, but it would be nice for them to get another one that doesn't have a "*" attached to it. The thing with LeBron is, whether he is THE greatest of all time will I think always be up for debate. But honestly, anyone who tries to argue that he isn't in the discussion is delusional.

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I think the Raptors should re-sign Bismack, then explore the trade market for Jonas. Bismack is a much better fit because he's a great defensive player who can hugely impact games without getting the ball, whereas Jonas needs the ball, and simply won't ever get it as long as Lowry and DeRozan are around. If Toronto can flip Jonas into a couple of really good role players, one wing and one big, I think they'll be in nice shape.

If James stays in Cleveland, everyone in the East is just fighting for 2nd place. Should be interesting to see who get when they inevitably get rid of Kevin Love. Free agents never want to go to Cleveland, but many will sacrifice a year or two in a crappy city to have a shot at a ring.

I think the Raptors should re-sign Bismack, then explore the trade market for Jonas. Bismack is a much better fit because he's a great defensive player who can hugely impact games without getting the ball, whereas Jonas needs the ball, and simply won't ever get it as long as Lowry and DeRozan are around. If Toronto can flip Jonas into a couple of really good role players, one wing and one big, I think they'll be in nice shape.

I read that DeRozan will be exploring free agency so the Raptor might need to consider a lot of options if they want to reach another conference finals

Oh, and not to triple post... it seems that the Sixers and Lakers have already made it known who they intend on drafting tomorrow night. Hoping that it works out for both teams. Both players have a lot of potential.

While I don't think Rose will ever get back to his MVP caliber performances due to his injuries, I think he will be a great asset for the team. Him and Kristaps Porzingis (love saying that name) will be a fun duo to watch.

The Dipo for Ibaka trade is a very interesting one. Wonder how Durant feels about it? Impossible to judge right now, really... but it will definitely be a difference maker (good? bad? both?) once the playoffs arrive. Here's Zach Lowe on the particulars if you're interested:

Oladipo is one of the best guards in the league on defense, and considering Golden State is the hurdle they need to get over, having a guy like him, who has the skills and quickness to bug Curry and Thompson on those 3's, is an upgrade in that regard. He's not a great scorer, but still a slight upgrade offensively over Dion Waiters at SG. I like the trade for OKC, assuming Durant stays of course.

Because the Laker brand being important is a thing of the past. The NBA is a stars-driven league, not one driven by big markets. The NBA doesn't need LA, Chicago, Boston or NY to be great to generate high interest, and recent history has shown that.

Because the Laker brand being important is a thing of the past. The NBA is a stars-driven league, not one driven by big markets. The NBA doesn't need LA, Chicago, Boston or NY to be great to generate high interest, and recent history has shown that.

True, and I don't entirely disagree with that view. Still, some players enjoy that big city lifestyle.

On the other hand, I think Jim Buss being in charge is another factor driving players away too.